The National Association of Stevedore Operators (NASO) has addressed recent media reports suggesting that its members are under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over unpaid royalties. NASO has firmly denied these claims, stating that no stevedore or group has withheld payments or government dues unlawfully. In a statement issued by NASO President, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, the association emphasized that all stevedoring operations are carried out under the authority of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and as such, any dues owed are part of an established payment structure governed by formal agreements.

Sunmola acknowledged that there is an outstanding backlog of royalty payments to the NPA, but clarified that this issue is being handled through ongoing discussions between the association and the NPA. According to him, these negotiations have been in progress for about two months and would have concluded earlier if not for a temporary break due to an NPA management retreat. He noted that the stevedores function as service providers to the NPA, and once they receive payments for their services, a predefined portion is remitted back to the Authority as royalty, following agreed terms.

The crux of the ongoing dialogue involves categorizing the backlog into various classes to enable a structured repayment process. Sunmola stated that significant progress had been made in these talks, and the delay was not due to any conflict but logistical timing.

In response to EFCC’s involvement, Sunmola clarified that the agency’s invitation was merely procedural. He explained that both NASO and NPA officials were invited to provide information regarding their operations, which they did without issue. He stressed that this was not the first time such engagements with the EFCC had occurred and that there was nothing irregular or accusatory about the meeting.